Arabia Felix from the Time of the Queen of Sheba : Eighth Century to First Century B. C.

by Breton, Jean-Francois; Lafarge, Albert

• ISBN13: 9780268020026
• ISBN10: 0268020027
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-05-01
• Publisher: Univ of Notre Dame Pr

Summary

Sheba, or Saba, is a region of high mountains and vast deserts situated in the southwest of the Arabian peninsula, in what is known today as Yemen. The mysteries and riches of Sheba and its people enticed the likes of Alexander the Great, the Emperor Augustus, and the kings of Ethiopia and Byzantium. From the eighth century to the first century B.C., the kingdom of Sheba dominated other realms in Southern Arabia, imposing its language, institutions, and artistic forms throughout the region.

In Arabia Felix from the Time of the Queen of Sheba, Jean-Francois Breton provides a detailed synthesis of this remote civilization, the uniqueness of the region's geography and climate, and the major events that shaped its history. He offers valuable insights into the Sabeans' daily life, their customs and religion, their relations with neighboring civilizations, and their modes of commerce.

Author Biography

Jean-Francois Breton is a researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(8)
The Gardens of Saba	9	(20)
The Caravan Kingdoms	29	(24)
Fragrances of Arabia	53	(22)
Cities and Villages	75	(18)
Economy and Society	93	(24)
The Gods and Their Temples	117	(26)
The World of the Dead	143	(16)
Toward New Horizons	159	(18)
Conclusion	177	(4)
Glossary	181	(4)
Notes	185	(12)
References	197	(10)
Index	207